Abstract [en]

The aim of the study is to increase knowledge about the situation for relatives of people with mental health disabilities and to consider their needs in relation to municipal support. The study is based on qualitative interviews with adult relatives of adult people with mental health disabilities. The study shows that the needs of relatives are not compatible with existing municipal support. The primary need for relatives is adequate healthcare and support for their relatives with mental health disabilities and joint action between healthcare and municipal agencies. Individual and psychological needs are secondary. The result is analysed by system theory and the Struggle over needs theory (Fraser 2003). The analysis shows how different societal discourses influence the interpretation of the needs of relatives. The study is important because it highlights and problematizes the discrepancy between the needs of relatives and their access to municipal support. The result is important and relevant for social work since it identifies the absence both of a holistic approach and of joint action between healthcare and municipal agencies, which results in negative consequences for relatives as well as for persons with mental health disabilities.